Meditation for sleep:
Release your worries

Dynamic world, changed lifestyle, irregular eating habits, anxiety, depletion, depression, chronic illnesses – whatever it be, it has an impact on our holistic life. The four most important sources of energy that keep us up and moving through the day are food, sleep, breath and a calm, happy state of mind.

Despite years of research and advances in medicine, it has been evident that natural healing happens only through what we do for one-thirds of our life – sleeping! It underlines the importance of good rest. Ayurveda states that the main function of sleep is to enhance the ojas or energy that acts as the primary coordinator between our mind and body and provides for a healthy and fulfilling life.

((Such is the power of the human mind. The memories and impressions that are stored in it, need to be rewired in such a way that it doesn’t bother us in the present. Focus sharpens the mind, while relaxation expands it. Meditation is that element, which puts us in touch with that deep peace, free of all past impressions.

 Both sleep and meditation refresh us, but meditation can free us from past impressions too!

-Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar))

How much sleep is too much?

There is no one answer to the amount of sleep that a person needs.

While it is said that an average adult needs about 7-8 hours of sleep to rejuvenate oneself for the next day, the quality and duration of sleep depends on the constitution of one’s body. When the body is high on tamas, it asks for more hours of rest; rajas causes increase in activity, lack of sleep and makes one tired; But, when sattva reigns, fatigue would almost be nil and the body would be in a well awakened state, refreshed for most part of the day.

However, sleep cycles vary depending on one’s age and health condition.

For example, new-borns sleep for about 17-18 hours with 9 hours a day in REM sleep, while an average adult spends less than 2 hours in REM, a stage when the brain activity is high. The deeper the sleep, the more peaceful is the state of mind.

Chronic illnesses, anxieties or sleep disorders as insomnia (a hyper arousal of brain activity) have a huge impact on the body’s metabolic rates, optimal health and wellbeing and hence needs to be addressed with utmost importance.

Effects of sleep deprivation on the body

• Mood changes

Sleep deprivation can make one moody and emotional and if chronic, it may lead to anxiety or depression.

• Weakened immunity

Too little sleep can weaken the body's defence mechanisms against germs that cause common cold, flu etc.

• Affects thinking and concentration

Concentration, memory, creativity and problem solving may get affected when the brain cells get tired due to lack of sleep.

• Risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiac problems

Lack of sleep affects the body's release of insulin, a blood sugar-lowering hormone. People who don't get enough sleep are under risk of being diabetic. Insufficient sleep can also lead to a rise in blood pressure, and may cause heart diseases.

• Weight gain

When deprived of sleep, the chemicals that signal to your brain may be subject to imbalance and eventually cause weight gain.

Each of these effects can be alleviated through our ancient yogic practices.

Charaka Samhitha, a Sanskrit text on Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine) underscores the importance of proper sleep

Consciousness & sleep

The state of our consciousness also has a deep impact on our holistic health.

Studies assert that there is conscious experience in sleep only when we dream. A little bit of practice can help alter the states of our consciousness as needed between jagruti (waking state), swapna (dreaming state) and sushupti (deep sleep state, devoid of thoughts). Meditation helps tap into it and brings a significant difference to our lifestyle, also improving productivity and cognitive performance.

Gurudev says,

“Nature compels you to go into silence unconsciously and that is sleep. This gives you energy. When you choose to be silent consciously, that is meditation. It gives you more energy and can help open doors to subtler dimensions.”

Meditation for sound sleep: Some interesting techniques

 The golden rule for meditation is to be in the present moment. And in that present moment, you tell yourself that you want nothing; you do not want to do anything for those few minutes; and you are a ‘nobody’. That brings you in touch with a deep profound silence, which is the most essential for relaxation.

The best way to prevent sleep deprivation is to make sure you get adequate sleep, a healthy lifestyle; reduced gadget/ screen time and follow the practices suggested here.

Read here about The best direction to sleep

Learn how to meditate effortlessly in The Art of Living's Sahaj Samadhi Dhyan program.